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Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals' Best Kept Secrets: Popular Santa Barbara Summer Vacation Events

In addition to spectacular beaches and mountainscapes, summer vacation in Santa Barbara boasts such an abundance of fun and exciting events that draws visitors from all over the world to enjoy unique activities and stay at Santa Barbara vacation rental homes and properties.

Santa Barbara hosts too many events to list here, but this preview of Santa Barbara summer vacation 2010 events (from May 1-September 1) is a good place to start. There's something for everyone. These diverse multicultural, artsy, wine, beach and food events show why so many people are drawn to the unique character of Santa Barbara.

Of course, some of these Santa Barbara summer vacation events draw thousands of people, and most vacationers in the know want to avoid the crush of a hotel and opt for the ease and convenience of a luxury Santa Barbara vacation rental. You can walk all your gear into a Santa Barbara vacation rental home a lot easier than you can get your surfboard up a crowded hotel elevator. And if you want to bring your dog, a Santa Barbara vacation rental home is an ideal choice for a super Santa Barbara summer vacation. Just take a look at what each month has to offer and keep in mind that summer is our most popular season so you should book your Santa Barbara vacation rental home as soon as you can.

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals' Summer Vacation Events for May 2010:

January 30, 2010 - May 30, 2010 - Delacroix to Monet: Masterpieces of 19th-Century Painting from the Walters Art Museum: Assembled over more than 140 years, the collection of the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore entails one of the finest holdings of 19th-century paintings in the United States. The only west coast venue for the exhibition, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art is pleased to present 40 works from this renowned collection. Details at: www.sbma.net

April 28 - May 2, 2010 -  "Sweet Home Santa Barbara" Fair & Expo: The 21st annual Santa Barbara Fair & Expo is at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. There's a lot of excitement on the menu from appetizing carnival rides to delicious fair treats to farm animals and livestock. Details at: www.sbfairandexpo.com.

April 29 - May 2, 2010 - 2010 AVP Tour Santa Barbara Open: The world's best men and women volleyball players will compete in Santa Barbara. Tickets will go fast. Details at: www.avp.com.

May 1, 2010 - 5th Annual Women's Literary Festival: Located at the beautiful Fess Parker's DoubleTree Resort, Santa Barbara's Women's Literary Festival celebrates readers and women writers with a day of interactive presentations and book signings. The mission of the Women's Literary Festival is to present the work of contemporary female authors from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences at a yearly conference. The Festival celebrates diversity, literacy and social justice. Details at: womensliteraryfestival.com

May 1, 2010 - May 15, 2010 - 10th Annual Santa Barbara Sea Festival: Make plans now to celebrate Santa Barbara's beautiful ocean. Festival founder the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum launches an expanded festival, this year running two full weeks. The celebration kicks off May 1-2 with the Santa Barbara Choral Society and Orchestra performing Ralph Vaughan-Williams' stirring A Sea Symphony at the beautifully restored Granada Theater (performances Saturday May 1 at 8 pm and Sunday May 2 at 3 pm), and ends with the SB Maritime Museum's hands-on Sea Festival events on May 15 at the Harbor. (Rumor has it that there may even be a visit by a tall ship!) In between, the calendar is packed with two-weeks of sea-themed family fun around town, include Ty Warner Sea Center's Sensational Seafood event, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art's special 'find the seascape' family activities, and the Downtown Organization's sea-themed First Thursday with participating business and restaurants all joining in the fun! Details at: sbseafestival.com

May 1-2, 2010 - Cinco De Mayo: The Nineteenth Annual Cinco de Mayo celebration will take place in Plaza de la Guerra and at the Casa de la Guerra. This year's celebration will be Santa Barbara's biggest and best event yet. There will be even more great music, dance, savory food, and a kids' corner full of activities. Details at: www.cincodemayosb.com

May 15, 2010 - Buttonwood Farm Vineyard Crawfish Boil: Laissez les bons temps rouler! It's spring and that means the crawfish boil is back. Treat yourself to a unique wine country event in this vineyard by the pond. Don't miss this true Louisiana-style crawfish boil complete with all the trimmings, live Zydeco music, and award-winning estate grown wines. Details at: www.sbcountywines.com

May 16, 2010 - Wheels & Waves: 11th Annual Classic Car And Hot Rod Show: 400 hot rods and classic cars from across America will be on display for one day only at the 11th Annual Wheels & Waves car show. Over 40,000 people jammed State Street last year and 2010 promises to be just as spectacular. There will be live music, raffles, awards and tons of the coolest cars you've ever seen. Details at: www.wheelsandwaves.com

May 27, 2010 - Downtown Art & Wine Tour: Eat, drink and be merry at the Downtown Art & Wine Tour. The tour offers participants an opportunity for leisurely strolling between downtown art galleries to see the latest exhibits, taste dishes from downtown restaurants and sample wines from leading Santa Barbara County vintners. This popular event is a community favorite and a complete sell-out each year! Details at: www.santabarbaradowntown.com

May 29 - May 31, 2010 - I Madonnari: Madonnari, or street painters, transform the Mission Plaza using pastels on pavement to create 150 vibrant and colorful, large scale images. Santa Barbara is proud to be the first to bring this romantic festival to the western hemisphere from our sister festival in Grazie di Curtatone, Italy. The festival benefits the Children's Creative Project, a nonprofit arts education program of the Santa Barbara County Education Office. Admission is free. Details at: www.imadonnarifestival.com

Santa Barbara Vacation Rental's Summer Vacation Events for June 2010:

June 23-27, 2010 - Lompoc Flower Festival: Santa Barbara's beautiful flower show delights more than the local bees. Details at: www.flowerfestival.org

June 25, 2010 - Santa Barbara Museum of Art:

• Celebrate visual geometry, contrast and texture inspired by Brett Weston
• Out of the Shadow  A special performance by String Theory and KCRW's DJ Jason Bentley
• The Nude in Nature Collective Submissions,  Landscaping the Body: Botanical Couture, and Negative Spaces
• Shadow Boxes
• Join the night's after-party at Coast at the Canary Hotel  for late dinner and cocktails until 11 pm!

June 25th & 26th, 2010 - Summer Solstice Parade: Santa Barbara's Summer Solstice Celebration has evolved into creative and original display of floats, giant puppets, whimsical costumes and masks of more than 1,000 parade participants, of all ethnic and economic backgrounds. There is dancing, music, drumming and drama to enthrall spectators. The Summer Solstice Parade features mouthwatering foods and thirst-quenching beverages from local restaurants, an arts and crafts boutique with more than 75 vendors and a large "drum circle" formed by parade participants and anyone else who cares to join in the beat (Saturday only). The wonderful floats from the parade are parked along Micheltorena Street for close-up inspection on Saturday only until approximately 4:30 pm.  Beer and Wine Garden Friday 4-8 pm, Saturday noon to 7 pm. Details: www.solsticeparade.com

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals' Summer Vacation Events for July 2010:

July 7-July 18, 2010 - Santa Barbara National Horse Show: July 7-10, 2010 - Multi-Breed Show; July 14-18, 2010 - Hunter-Jumper Show. For more than 80 years, the Santa Barbara National Horse Show has been a grand tradition. The Santa Barbara National Horse Show, now held at the Earl Warren showgrounds, is the oldest horse show in the West, and one of the most prestigious in the nation, as well as the premier American Saddlebred horse show on the west coast. Details at: www.earlwarren.com.

July 15, 2010 - Old Spanish Nights - Tapas and Wine Tasting: This new and exciting event precedes Santa Barbara's world-famous "Old Spanish Days" Fiesta by a few weeks. In the spirit of Fiesta, the night is charged with exciting Spanish music, passionate flamenco dancing and spicy tapas appetizers. Santa Barbara County's finest wines will be spotlighted along with hot Spanish imports! Don't miss this festive upscale event! Details at californiawinefestival.com/eventschedule.html

July 16, 2010 - Sunset Rare & Reserve Wine Tasting: This romantic evening of rare wine tasting begins with a champagne reception under the stars at Santa Barbara's charming old-world carousel at Chase Palm Park Plaza. Extremely limited reserve level wines are matched with gourmet appetizers from top local chefs, artisan cheeses, even fresh strawberries dipped in a chocolate fountain. Details at: californiawinefestival.com/eventschedule.html

July 17, 2010 - Beachside Wine Festival: This is the "Biggest Wine Festival Under the Sun" in Santa Barbara! A spectacular gathering of over 200 of California's finest wines from every wine region in the state, showcasing a total of over 350 fine wines at a sunny beach front location. Over 2,500 wine fans will grab their glasses and start swirling and sipping just a Frisbee throw away from the sparkling Pacific, while live music on stage keeps the party going. Details at: californiawinefestival.com/eventschedule.html

July 17 & 18, 2010 - The 23rd Annual French Festival: Bastille Day weekend includes a celebration of French culture at Oak Park. Food, music, entertainment -- c'est magnifique! Smiling families dine at sidewalk cafés with checkered tablecloths and umbrellas. Starry-eyed couples toast each other with wine. Artists wearing bérets paint at their easels. The air is filled with music, laughter and the tempting aromas of French cuisine. Surely this must be France? Actually, it's the 23nd Annual French Festival in Santa Barbara, Saturday and Sunday, July 17 & 18 (Bastille Day Weekend), from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Santa Barbara's Oak Park. Admission is free. Over 20,000 people are expected to attend. Details at: www.frenchfestival.com

June 19, 2010 - Fiddlehead Cellars' FiddleFest!: FiddleFest returns this year, and it's not to be missed! It's an exploration and celebration of Fiddlestix Vineyard: the place, the people, the wines and the feeling. The people who craft a Fiddlestix designated Pinot Noir will pour their wines at the famous Fiddlestix Barn located at mile marker 7.28 on Santa Rosa Rd, smack dab in the middle of the phenomenal Santa Rita Hills. There is fantastic food a-plenty and, of course, a fiddlin' good time! Details at: www.sbcountywines.com

June 19, 2010 - Lucas & Lewellen Summer BBQ at Valley View Vineyard: This annual summer barbecue is an event as unforgettable as the host, the Dirtman himself! Visit with Louis Lucas, Royce Lewellen, Megan McGrath Gates, and your Lucas & Lewellen friends while savoring new Lucas & Lewellen and Mandolina wine releases, a wine country barbecue, live music by Mike Shelton and the gorgeous view of the Valley View Vineyard. Please reserve early as seating is limited. Details at: www.sbcountywines.com

July 31- August 1 - The 37th Annual Greek Festival: This year's 37th annual Greek Festival features music and dancing all day long, but the real center stage belongs to the delicious Greek cuisine. Spanakopita, moussaka, souvlaki and gyros provide a delicious lunch or dinner for festival-goers. Don't forget to save room for dessert! Who could resist trays upon trays of baklava and other honeyed delicacies that will bring back memories of warm nights in the Greek Islands. Details at: www.santabarbaragreekfestival.com

Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals' Summer Vacation Events for August 2010:

August 4, 2010 - August 8, 2010 - Old Spanish Days Fiesta: Join Santa Barbara in celebrating 86 years of tradition. This cultural event is filled with Spanish and Mexican dancing at the Old Mission and County Courthouse, marketplaces with local food and gift vendors, live music performances and a carnival. Experience one of the largest equestrian parades in the country after a night at the Professional Bull Riders Rodeo. Viva la Fiesta! Details at: www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org.

August 20, 2010 - Santa Barbara Museum of Art: Surrender to taste, touch, sight, smell and hearing by focusing on five: five works from the permanent collection explored through the five senses. Highlights include: The Scent of Memory Opera, The Synaesthesia Stylists/the Science of Signs Senses Lab, Perseus by Night Amulets, and Candyland(scapes). Join the night's after-party at Coast at the Canary Hotel. Details at: www.sbmuseart.org

August 21, 2010 - 10th Annual Woodies at the Beach: Classic wood-paneled cars at Santa Barbara City College's West Campus. Great for the whole family. Details at: www.nationalwoodieclub.com/chapter_sbarb.htm.

ONGOING

Santa Barbara Bowl: This 4,562-seat amphitheater was carved into the hillside in 1936 and is nestled in a wooded canyon known for its spectacular views and concert-friendly weather. www.sbbowl.com or 805-962-7411

Santa Barbara Music Academy of the West: Summer Festival details at www.musicacademy.org or  805-969-4726

Concerts in the Park: Chase Palm Park (Thursdays) and Alameda Park (Sundays).

Santa Barbara Farmers Market - State Street: Each week the farmers in the marketplace display a colorful bounty of agricultural products grown right in our backyard. Seasonal diversity is available year 'round, rain or shine. Music and entertainment enliven the markets while creating a positive ambiance. Come. Shop. Socialize. Certified - the only way to buy! Details at: www.sbfarmersmarket.org.

Historic House & Garden Tour: These 90-minute tours show you some of the best homes and gardens Santa Barbara has to offer. Details at:  www.casadelherrero.com

Santa Barbara has hundreds of more summer vacation events including music, cultural, family-friendly, comedy, sporting, etc. Your best bet to find the most current summer vacation events is going to SantaBarbara.com. Whichever event you plan your Santa Barbara summer vacation around, remember that you'll want a home base that allows you to unwind and relax in your own private space. A Santa Barbara vacation rental home will be your own calm oasis for your stimulating Santa Barbara summer vacation. Many Santa Barbara vacation rental homes are within easy walking distance to some of these summer vacation events and a Santa Barbara vacation rental concierge can help book reservations and tickets, plus provide insider tips on how to get the most out of each Santa Barbara summer vacation event.



About the Author

Graham Farraris a Santa Barbara local with specialized knowledge in the popular destination's attractions and activities. He is a Santa Barbara Vacation Rentals expert and offers tips and advice for traveling to Santa Barbara on the www.sbluxuryrentals.com blog.

Horse Chestnut in Summer, UK $24.99 Mike England Horse Chestnut in Summer, UK - Photographic Print

The Summer Horse Show, Islington, 1892 $39.99 The Summer Horse Show, Islington, 1892 - Giclee Print

A Horse for the Summer $4.87 No Synopsis Available

Horse Mad Summer $11.99 Ashleigh is itching for her horse mad holiday with Becky and Jenna to begin. But when Jenna finally arrives from the city she feels like the vegemite in the sandwich. It's up to Ash to bring her two best friends together before time runs out.

Shires Summer Tempest Lightweight Horse Turnout Blanket $75.95 Ideal for summer protection, the Shires Summer Tempest Lightweight Horse Turnout Blanket gives your horse protection from the elements without the necessary warmth. Perfect for summer rain or very fuzzy horses, the Summer Tempest can also be layered with other blankets.

Amigo by Horseware Cotton Summer Horse Sheet (Classic Navy) $73.95 The Amigo Summer Sheet is an attractive, lightweight summer sheet for your horse hat will help to keep your horse clean and dust free during the summer months.

WeatherBeeta Summer Standard Neck Horse Sheet $50.95 The WeatherBeeta Summer Standard Neck Horse Sheet with Freestyle Tail Flap is made with a strong polyester Ripstop outer.  Ideal for turnout, paddock or stall.

Summer of the Spotted Horse $23.41 Sixteenyearold Samantha Kelly has pinned all her hopes, and her tuition to vet school, on an Appaloosa race colt she hand raised on the family farm in Southern California. Unfortunately, when she arrives at the racetrack for the summer, she discovers that her trainerfather has lost his license and disappeared. Race trackers she has known since she was ten are giving her the cold shoulder, and a grizzled old cowboy seems to be stalking her. Join Sam as she struggles to solve the mystery of her fathers disappearance while trying to get twoyearold Sierra Warrior ready for the allimportant CaliforniaBred Appaloosa Futurity. Meet some really interesting race track characters like Uncle Billy Norton, who used to train for movie stars and has a million stories, and get to know the teenagers Samanthas best friend, Tracy; Sleezy Slade Lang, Samanthas archenemy; and his brother, Jeff, who is as nice as Slade is nasty. Best of all learn about the horses big, beautiful and in their prime as racers. Its a whole summer at the county fair, good times and bad what kid could wish for more Author: Sanderson, Nancy Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 172 Publication Date: 2004/07/01 Age Level: 13 17 Language: English Dimensions: 8.08 x 5.02 x 0.45 inches

Horse Mad Summer By Helidoniotis, Kathy $13.36 Ashleigh Miller is happy when her friend from the city, Jenna, comes for the summer and she can teach Jenna how to ride, but the visit endangers her relationship with her new friend Becky as they both prepare for an important competition. Author: Helidoniotis, Kathy Series Title: Horse Mad Publication Date: 2008/08/15 Number of Pages: 209 Binding Type: Paperback Grade Level: 46 Language: English Depth: 0.50 Width: 5.00 Height: 7.75

Himalayan Horse Flick Horse Brush $13.95 This Himalayan Horse Flick Brush is perfect for flicking out mud and dirt from your horse's coat. Excellent for clipped and summer coats. Plastic filled.

Summer of the Spanish Horse $12.19 No Synopsis Available

Summer Of The Spotted Horse $12.63 No Synopsis Available

Summer of the Dancing Horse $14.13 No Synopsis Available

Summer of the Painted Horse $14.13 No Synopsis Available

Wild Horse Summer $9.7 No Synopsis Available

Woman Sculpts a Horse During a Summer Class for School Teachers $39.99 B. Anthony Stewart Woman Sculpts a Horse During a Summer Class for School Teachers - Photographic Print

Visiting Rider at the North Conway Summer Festival and Horse Show $79.99 Alfred Eisenstaedt Visiting Rider at the North Conway Summer Festival and Horse Show - Premium Photographic Print

Local Spectator at North Conway Summer Festival and Horse Show $79.99 Local Spectator at North Conway Summer Festival and Horse Show - Premium Photographic Print

Summer Days Horse White T-Shirt by CafePress $22 Feel refreshed just looking at this girl and her horse, totally enjoying down time. Each thinking, how wonderful to have a trustworthy friend to share breezy summer days with. Horse White T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The white t-shirt is a timeless classic for a reason; it should be a staple in every wardrobe. It is clean, simple, and durable. The best part is you can wear it with anything. This 100% cotton T-shirt is so comfortable you'll want to wear it to bed.

Summer Days Horse Women's T-Shirt by CafePress $22 Feel refreshed just looking at this girl and her horse, totally enjoying down time. Each thinking, how wonderful to have a trustworthy friend to share breezy summer days with. Horse Women's T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Our 100% cotton Women's tee is preshrunk, durable and guaranteed. 5.6 oz. 100% cotton. Standard fit.

Horse $10 Horse